RM of BTS was recently invited to a special Samsung Electronics and Art Basel event in Switzerland—unsurprising, given his well-known love for art and how he draws inspiration from it in both his music and life. The questions asked during the interview were thoughtful and reflective, the kind that made me pause and consider my own relationship with art. I noted some of these questions and used them to reflect on what art means in my own life.
How do you perceive the role of art in your life?
For me, art is an expansive, all-encompassing term that can mean different things to different people. RM pointed out that many people mistakenly believe art is out of reach—not physically, but mentally. I resonated with that. In the past, if I didn’t understand a piece of artwork, I assumed that art simply wasn’t meant for me. But that’s not true. Art comes in many forms; I just hadn’t yet encountered something that truly spoke to me. The beauty of art lies in its subjectivity. An artist creates with their own intention, but they also invite the viewer into that space—to interpret, add meaning, and connect on a personal level.
I also agree with RM’s view that art is embedded in our daily lives. Whether it’s the shape of fluffy clouds in a blue sky, the sound of raindrops, or the words that appear on a page in a book picked up at the library, these moments—though subtle—evoke the same feelings I experience when visiting a museum or gallery. To echo RM’s words: “When I connect with a piece of art, it’s like having a silent conversation.”
Have you ever found yourself turning to art to find some escapism or some mental peace during a difficult time?
Building on the idea that art is subjective and deeply personal, I’ve definitely turned to it for comfort during hard times. RM mentioned how he works in a fast-paced music industry where change is constant. To ground himself, he gravitates toward artworks that are simple yet refined—citing artists like Agnes Martin, Lee Ufan, and Hiroshi Sugimoto in his past interviews.
For me, it’s Ryuichi Sakamoto. Every note he plays, and the silences that follow, are imbued with emotion. His music offers a sense of stillness—a quiet reprieve in a world that moves too fast. There’s a sense of healing in that.
Have you ever found yourself looking deeper into someone’s work and building a strong connection to their work or their story?
RM said it’s not essential to know everything about an artist’s life or body of work. Unless you’re an art historian or a student where detail matters, simply asking why a piece was created is often enough to spark a personal connection. I agree—and would add that asking why a particular piece resonates with you can be just as important.
I’ve found a personal connection with Impressionist painters like Monet and Van Gogh. There’s a certain playfulness in their brushstrokes—the colour palettes and textures really speak to me. Attending the Monet & Friends Alive exhibition at THE LUME Melbourne deepened my appreciation for the Impressionist era. Afterwards, I found myself at the library exploring works by lesser-known artists like Berthe Morisot and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. That journey even led me to John Russell, an Australian Impressionist—someone closer to home.
Towards the end of the interview, RM hinted at an art space he’s curating in Seoul, aimed at connecting his personal identity with art. I admire his desire to use this platform to highlight Korean artists. I admittedly only know a few—Do Ho Suh, Lee Ufan, and Yun Hyong-keun—so I’m excited by the idea of discovering more through his curation. On my next trip to Seoul, I hope to visit this space and experience the inspirations that have shaped him.
